The Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau is collecting contact information for a new text messaging program designed to issue alerts about changing surf conditions that cause a shift in the color of beach flags.
Via text message, registered cell phone numbers will receive flag updates with alerts to changing surf conditions within the city limits, as well as within unincorporated sections of Panama City Beach.
"We hope to get the program running in the next couple of weeks," said Dan Rowe, Bay County Tourist Development Council director.
For the program to be successful, Rowe said, people need to register in the next few weeks.
"This is another tool that we can and should use," he said, adding that the text alerts can relay information even quicker than the flags can be changed. "Hopefully we can save a life."
There have been no drownings on Panama City beaches this year, but, as many remember, last year's drownings caused widespread concern amongst local officials and safety enforcement.
"This puts the information that people need at their fingertips," said Maj. David Humphreys at the Panama City Police Department. "Of course it will be up to them whether or not they heed those warnings."
The text messaging program is an addition to other elements of Panama City Beach's beach safety public awareness campaign, which includes flying aerial billboards during double-red flag conditions, displaying signs inside each rentable lodging unit along Panama City Beach, posting signs explaining the flag colors at every public beach and public service announcements on billboards other media.
The text messages are planned to originate from either the Bay County Sheriff's Office or the Panama City Beach Police Department. However, according to Ruth Corley, the Sheriff Office's spokesperson, her office is unaware of the program but looks forward to receiving information from the responsible parties.
People who have interaction with beach-goers are encouraged to sign up for this service, including: beach service vendors, hotel and condo security personnel and members of the media. Normal text messaging rates will apply.
TAKE ACTION:
If interested in receiving text alerts on changing surf conditions, e-mail your full name, cell phone number and an e-mail address to social@visitpanamacitybeach.com.
